THE BISHOPS of Coventry and Warwick have united in their commitment to stand by local Muslims in the wake of the recent Paris terror attacks.
In a letter to Dr Abdullah Shehu, Chairman of the Coventry Muslim Forum, the Bishops said that the Muslim communities are in their minds and prayers.
The Bishop of Coventry, Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, and the Right Reverend John Stroyan of Warwick, added: “The dreadful violence in Paris, which we must all condemn unreservedly, has provoked an important discussion about freedom of speech and the need for its protection.
“A good deal of secular discourse fails to understand the deeper roots of religious practice that should, reasonably and responsibly, influence how communication takes place within society.
“We thought that you would like to know that, as Christians, we recognise not only this deficiency but also the frustration it must cause many Muslims.
“We are glad that in Coventry and Warwickshire we have deep commitments to understand each other and, together, to form a common society that is open to all and good for all, serves God’s purposes of peace through reconciliation and allows everyone to flourish.”
John Stroyen, Bishop of Warwick. s
